Sunday, November 10, 2024

Turin: Mole Antonelliana, Piazzas, and the Villa della Regina

 One of highlights of the Piedmont Region is its capital, Turin, a city of approximately 850,000 people.

The symbol of the city is the Mole Antonelliana, named after its architect, Alessandro Antonelli. It was originally constructed in 1863 as a synagogue, but today houses the Museum of Cinema. Views from the observation deck are stellar. 





                                                  Many shopping arcades line the city's piazzas. 


                                     The Piazza Castello, with the Royal Palace in the background. 


     The Turin Cathedral. The adjacent Chapel of the Holy Shroud houses the legendary Shroud of Turin. 



                                                      A photo of the interior of the Cathedral. 


     The Palatine Towers, which served as one of four Roman city gates when Turin was a walled city. 



                                    Above and below, interior photos of the Royal Library of Turin.



                                                   One of the original indoor shopping arcades. 


                                                                     Piazza Carignano

 

The interesting facade of the Palazzo Carignano, which once housed the Italian Parliament and today is home to the Museum of the Risorgimento. 


Above, and following, are photos of the beautiful Villa della Regina, in baroque style, that was a residence of the consorts of the Savoy kings. The Villa fell into disrepair, particularly after bombing raids during WWII, but is now open to the public to pay for restoration. 


                                                   


                                 The gardens are an ornate world unto themselves. Just beautiful.



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